London Olympics boss Sebastian Coe was on hand to inspire the next generation of sports stars yesterday as he visited Beauchamp College.

He was at the college, in Oadby, in his new role as an ambassador helping to raise the profile of sport to create a lasting legacy from the Games.

The school was hosting an Olympic and Paralympic roadshow which saw Lord Coe take part in a question and answer session, meet members of sports clubs and Olympic torch bearers and watch a basketball masterclass session.

Lord Coe, who was the chairman of the organising committee for the London Olympics, said: "It's great to come into a school like this where sport isn't just in the margins, but at the forefront of the curriculum."

The roadshow was organised by Leicester-Shire and Rutland Sport.

Lord Coe said he had been inspired as a youngster to join an athletics club when he attended a similar event following the 1968 Olympics in Mexico.

"If it had the desired effect then, I'm sure events like this will be even more successful today," he said.

Lord Coe studied at Loughborough University before going on to win gold in the 1,500 metres at the 1980 Moscow and 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

Lord Coe said there was a balance to be struck between academic and sporting endeavour, but often sport was a catalyst for self-belief in other subjects.

Leicester Riders basketball player Drew Sullivan, who also visited the college as part of the roadshow, agreed.

"I wasn't the best student, but when I started to train hard for basketball, I suddenly didn't find it too difficult to be disciplined in my maths and English homework and my grades shot up," he said.

Pupils James Hatton and Helena Keenan, both 16, were among the school's welcoming committee.

Both are middle distance runners.

James said: "He's a sporting hero so it's amazing to meet him.

Helena said: "It's a huge honour."

Pupils Lucas Hayward and Nia Durant, both 16, greeted him with their Olympic torches, as they carried the flame during last year's torch relay.

Lucas said: "It was so exciting to carry the torch and meeting someone such as Seb Coe, who has shown so much passion and dedication to sport, is definitely an inspiration."

Beauchamp College head teacher Hugh Howe said: "It's a huge honour to welcome Seb here. He's an inspiration to us all and his commitment to young people is highlighted through this visit."

The roadshow was the 47th of its kind which has taken place in schools and clubs across Leicestershire.

It aims to give people the chance to meet professional sportsmen and women to find out what it takes to perform at top levels and show them what is achievable.